Development of a questionnaire measure of emotional control

A questionnaire measure of emotional control was developed to evaluate the extent to which individuals report controlling anger, anxiety and depressed mood. Scale items were derived from responses to semi-structured clinical interviews with patients who were awaiting breast biopsy. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability data are reported, as well as correlations with the Marlowe-Crowne, the Spielberger State-Trait Personality Inventory, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and the Bortner Type A Behavior Scale. Although intended for use with breast cancer patients this scale is envisaged to have wider application to other clinical populations.